This Diwali, students and staff shared positive messages focusing on the importance of light, as well as examples of symbolic representation of light in our lives. We shared moments that bring happiness and strategies we use to strengthen our connection with one another. We celebrated the festival with local and authentically made foods, created rangolis, painted clay pots and lit sparklers as we reflected on the triumph of good. Special thanks to Tandori Kona Restaurant, Maharaja Sweets and Golden Samosa Bakery!

We are excited to begin our PA’s “Student News Broadcast” by planning, recording and editing. This is our fourth year of reporting important events, celebrations and successes that occur at school every week. All news is planned and recorded by PA students. Students learn about newsworthy material, journalism, ethics, broadcasting, producing and the importance of working as a team to create something that the entire PA school can be proud of and enjoy. This is a great opportunity for students to practice leadership skills, be engaged with the events that are happening at school, be resourceful and look for new interesting news stories!

Welcome back to learning, playing and making new friends! Students have been busy inside and outside the classroom! In fact, recess time is arguably one of the most important and dynamic parts of a student’s day. It serves as a time to engage in self directed play, where students practice social skills and form new and important friendships. Supervisors and our newly established student Safety Scouts actively engage with students, assisting in the establishment of recess rules and facilitating problem solving methods while encouraging sportsmanship, teamwork and safe play. 

The grade 5/6 students led our “Orange Shirt Day” assembly, where they shared their knowledge of Canadian and Indigenous history. Specifically, they shared details about Residential schools- honouring the stories shared by Indigenous authors and storytellers. PA students and staff connected deeply to Phyllis Webstad’s “‘The Orange Shirt Story” story, held a moment of silence and pledged to be an Indigenous ally.

Being the Head of School for a day was an item available at the Pythagoras Academy Online Auction, and Sophie Jiang from grade 3 was the lucky winner of this item. On June 7th, 2022, Sophie officially became the Head of School for the entire day! During the course of the day, she was able to experience the daily tasks and have fun as the Head of School. In this role, Sophie got to sit in the Head of School’s office, visit different classrooms to oversee activities, enjoy a special lunch and even give students 5 minutes of extra recess!

Megan Zhao from grade 6 interviewed Sophie, and Sophie reported that she really enjoyed the opportunity of being the Head of School for a day.

If you wish to see how enjoyable and rewarding Sophie’s day was, please watch this video.

A number of students in grades 5-8 at Pythagoras Academy participated in Math Challenge Projects this school year. One of the projects, Refreshing Refreshments by Megan and Harley in grade 6, used their everyday math knowledge and combined it with basic business principles to a surprisingly successful effect. The children had fun and experienced practicing organizational and communication skills, and were inspired to continue exploring the field of mathematics.

In numeracy, grade 4 students have been learning about various geometric shapes and how to classify them. They explored horizontal, vertical, and diagonal line symmetry. In this cross-curricular assignment by Mrs. Yi, students explored line symmetry with art.